Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval visited the 35 families who had been forced to evacuate their homes due to the scheduled demolition of their structures in Barangay Acacia, Malabon City on Monday, August 5.

The city's public information office said that the scheduled demolition was postponed to allow time for peaceful discussions between the authorities and the affected residents.

It added that the city government remains committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of its residents.

“Prayoridad natin ang kaayusan sa Malabon at ang maayos na kalagayan ng bawat Malabueño. Alam nating hindi madali na harapin ang ganitong mga uri ng problema lalo na pagdating sa lupa at bahay, dahil kasama rito ang kaligtasan ng mga residente (Our priority is the orderliness in Malabon and the well-being of every Malabueño. We understand that facing issues related to land and house, which involve the safety of residents, is not easy),” Sandoval said.

“Ngunit, hindi natin pababayaan ang mga Malabueño, kaya ating sinuguro ang maayos na pakikipag-usap sa mga kinauukulan upang mapanatili ang kaayusan sa lugar. Asahan ninyong hindi titigil ang pamahalaang lungsod sa pagbibigay ng tulong sa mga naapektuhan ng isyung ito (However, we will not abandon our Malabueños. We ensure proper communication with the relevant authorities to maintain order in the area. You can count on the city government to continue providing assistance to those affected by this issue),” she added.

The city government and the leaders of the homeowners association and other local agencies engaged in discussions that helped prevent the demolition while ensuring a peaceful relocation for the residents.

Meanwhile, Sandoval provided financial aid to the affected families and business owners, including those who chose to remain at the C4 isolation center, which served as their evacuation hub.

Each family received P36,600 cash assistance from the city government under the Republic Act (RA) 7279, or the Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992, and an additional P10,000 from Sandoval.

The local government also distributed food packs to the affected residents.

The city government said that the Malabon Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 55 Office of the Sheriff and the land owner on Simoun Street had initially coordinated with the local government to secure a demolition permit.

However, the permit was not issued due to violations of city laws, including the presence of residents, electric cables, water lines, and other factors that also breached the National Building Code.

Dr. Alexander Rosete, the city administrator and head of the Housing and Urban Development Department, assured residents that the city government will comply with court orders while prioritizing their safety.

"The government is ready to support those affected by the demolition if it continues. The police and our personnel are on hand to maintain peace in the area. We will comply with whatever the court orders but we will make sure that the measures are also within the law of our city and we also consider the safety and security of Malabueños," he said.

He also mentioned that the city’s housing programs, including St. Gregory Homes in Barangay Panghulo and at Sisa and Palladium Streets in St. James Subdivision in Barangay Tinajeros, are available for the displaced residents.